Erin M Cheney

in Lake Placid with her husband, David Cheney.

Erin was born on June 24, 1969, at Alice Hyde Medical Center. She graduated from Franklin

Academy and went on to pursue a degree in foreign language education. While working at Ace

Hardware in Potsdam, New York, she met the love of her life, David Cheney. They were married

in 1995 and built a life centered on love, family, and learning, welcoming three children: Laura

(2001), Colleen (2003), and Carl (2005).

After dedicating herself to raising her children, Erin returned to college in 2010 to study Museum

Studies at the State University of New York at Potsdam. She earned a master's degree in History

from Southern New Hampshire University in 2016 and later pursued a master's degree in Library

Science through San José State University, a program she was passionate about continuing.

Erin devoted much of her career to preserving the history of the North Country. She began her

work at the Potsdam Public Museum as a museum aide and genealogy research specialist before

becoming Museum Director. She also founded her own genealogy business, North Country

Genealogy, helping countless families discover and preserve their histories. Erin served as

President of the Potsdam Library Board in 2017 and was an active member of the Stockholm

Historical Society, where she formed many lasting friendships.

Above all else, Erin was a devoted wife and mother. She was known for her kindness,

intelligence, humility, and her ability to listen without judgment. In 2020, Erin faced significant

health challenges. Yet she met those hardships with remarkable resilience and determination.

Rather than allowing her circumstances to define her, she continued to embrace life, remained

devoted to her family and community, and never lost her love of learning or her positive spirit.

She had loved reading historical fiction, researching genealogy, or expanding her knowledge in

subjects that interested her. She cherished spending time with her husband and children, listening

to Taylor Swift and Rick Springfield, and cuddling with her many beloved cats and dogs. Her

unwavering optimism in the face of adversity inspired everyone who knew her.

Erin is survived by her loving husband, David Cheney; her three children, Laura, Colleen, and

Carl; and many cherished nieces and nephews on both the Callahan and Cheney sides of the

family.

She was predeceased by her parents, Mabel Gibbs and Garth Callahan, and by her sisters,

Maureen Callahan Norcross and Donna Callahan.

Erin's love for her family, her dedication to preserving Potsdam's history, and her gentle spirit

will leave a lasting legacy in the community she loved so deeply. She will be greatly missed and

fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Calling hours for Erin will be held at the Garner Funeral Service on Friday, August 7th from 4-7 pm. A funeral service will follow at 7pm at the funeral home with Rev. Lee Sweeney celebrant. Erin will be buried at a later date at the West Stockholm Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Garner Funeral Service where condolences can be shared @www.garnerfh.com.